About

Creative development opportunities: Rough Drafts

Rough Drafts are week-long creative developments that give theatre makers the opportunity to try out new ideas, new ways of working and new collaborations.

The emphasis of the exercise is on process rather than product; it is about giving artists a space in which they can experiment… and perhaps even fail! Writers and directors are given access to a rehearsal space, a paid team of actors or creatives and dramaturgical support. They may use the week and resources to embark on something currently unscripted or they might choose to develop a script that is already complete in draft form. The outcomes vary greatly according to the project.

At the end of the workshop week, an audience is invited into the development process to have a sneak peek of a work in progress at the free public showing. These showings are an opportunity for the artists to try their ideas in front of an audience.

Submit your work for a Rough Draft

Rough Draft developments are offered to theatre makers who have a proven track record and a brilliant project that needs floor time to make it fly. If you are a practising theatre artist wishing to be considered for a development, we strongly recommend inviting us to see your work.

If it is likely we already know your work, send an email to artisticteam@sydneytheatre.com.au with the subject title ROUGH DRAFTS. This email should include a short paragraph outlining the project and explaining why it needs a creative development. You will receive an email acknowledging your submission and if your project is appropriate for the program you may receive follow up correspondence from a member of the Artistic Team.

Attending a Rough Draft free public showing

Rough Drafts are free, but bookings are essential. Dates and information on how to book are included in our monthly enewsletter. Sign up to our enewsletter.